From Combat Zones to Cyber Zones: Why Veterans Are Powering the Next Cybersecurity Wave

Walking point on a patrol in a conflict zone might feel like a far cry from monitoring threats in a sleek, high-tech security operations center. But for many military veterans, the transition into cybersecurity isn’t just natural — it’s a perfect match.

James Murphy, a former infantryman and now Director of Veterans and Families at the Forces Employment Charity, says it comes down to instinct. “When you see a trashcan on an empty street where no one’s collecting garbage, the spider hairs on your neck stand up,” he explains. It’s that hyper-awareness and risk-assessment mindset that makes veterans ideal candidates for cybersecurity roles — writes the BBC.

And the industry is hungry for them. Cyberattacks — whether criminal or politically motivated — are an everyday reality for businesses and governments alike. The UK recently launched an accelerated training program for armed forces recruits to boost its cyber capabilities, offering one of the military’s highest starting salaries for successful candidates.

But veterans haven’t just started moving into cybersecurity; they’ve been doing it steadily for years. The UK’s TechVets program alone transitions 15 to 20 veterans into new tech roles each month, with up to 60% finding careers in cybersecurity — a crucial pipeline in a world grappling with a staggering shortage of cyber professionals. The World Economic Forum estimates a global shortfall of around 4 million cybersecurity experts.

Why the Military-Cyber Link Works

Veterans bring more than just technical aptitude — it’s the mindset that counts. Mo Ahddoud, now an interim Chief Information Security Officer, spent a decade in the Royal Artillery before pivoting to cybersecurity roles at BAE Systems and Universal Studios. His military training hardwired him to approach problems with resilience, flexibility, and a clear-eyed understanding of layered defense — concepts that map seamlessly onto the cybersecurity world.

“Nothing ever goes to plan when you meet the adversary,” Ahddoud notes. “You have to adapt on the fly, and that’s second nature for veterans.”

Catherine Burn, Associate Director at cyber recruitment firm LT Harper, says veterans are especially well-suited to blue team roles — defensive positions like security operations, incident response, and forensics. “They’re grafters. They stay calm under pressure. And they thrive in high-stress, high-stakes situations,” she explains. In contrast, offensive red team roles, often filled by independent-minded ethical hackers, are typically a different fit.

More Than a Job — A New Mission

For veterans like Crystal Morin, now a cybersecurity strategist at US-based Sysdig, the move into cyber was a way to continue serving a mission, albeit through a different lens. After working in counter-threat finance and counter-terrorism in the US Air Force, she shifted toward cyber threat intelligence.

“All of my training has been hands-on,” says Morin. But what hooked her wasn’t just the technical challenge — it was the sense of camaraderie. “The adrenaline, the problem-solving, fighting the bad guys… it’s exactly like the military. The busy weeks, the quiet weeks, the dark humor — it’s a tight-knit community.”

A Win for Employers

James Murphy adds that once companies hire veterans, they often come back for more. Veterans’ work ethic, teamwork, and risk-management instincts aren’t easy to teach — and in an industry where readiness and resilience are paramount, they’re priceless.

Of course, adjustments are needed. Civilian job structures and onboarding processes can feel disorienting compared to military systems. But for veterans able to find organizations aligned with their values, the rewards are significant.

“It’s about finding a place where you belong,” says Murphy. “Where you wake up in the morning excited to work with a team that has your back — and where you know your work matters.”

According to recent figures, veterans in cybersecurity not only fill critical roles but also tend to climb the ranks quickly. A 2024 survey by ISC2 found that veterans in cyber roles are 34% more likely to hold leadership positions within five years of entering the field than their civilian counterparts.